Hi there walkthismile
Welcome to AfterSilence!
I would really like to be the first to say that I think the username you have chosen is really powerful! It really speaks to me in many ways. As a signifier that you've been through 'a lot' (an understatement I know), as a comment that healing is a journey and you've taken the first steps towards that, and as a challenge to anyone out there who would look to judge you to first 'walk a mile' in the same footsteps you've trodden and then see how they feel... So thank you for sharing that powerful metaphor with us!
It sounds like your friend really has really been a big part of your life and an inspiration and a support. Sounds like a good friend! I'm really glad you have someone like that in your life.
As for things feeling real again...it takes time...but it happens. I promise.
For now, why don't you do what feels most comfortable for you here. Don't feel pressured to post before you're ready, but when you are ready, we'll be here to listen.
Take care.

Welcome to AS, Naturebarbie
You don't have to share your story. You can just ask for support. You can just read what others are doing in their healing journey. You can do here whatever makes you feel safe and supported.
I hope you find this to be a place of safety and healing.

Thanks, John. I appreciate you taking it to the other mods.
I know it will need one of those warning bits up the top like in the ED or SI forums that lists the rules for use, states that medical advice should not be sought as we're not doctors, yadda yadda (even though we don't have one of those at the moment and people seem to know that on the whole - but just to be safe).
I like the pinned thread on coping strategies for medical appointments idea that JenD had.
I will "watch this space". Thanks again.

I agree dodo that offering medical advice is very risky and I would want anyone to think that I'm encouraging that. I'm not a trained doctor or medical professional.
I'm just thinking that seeing as how so many survivors struggle to get doctors to respect their needs it might be nice to have somewhere where we can read about how others have done it. Or, how many of us have thought we were the only person to struggle with invasive examinations and tests (e.g. Pap tests/std checks/etc?
I was envisaging it being a bit like the therapy support section where people can ask for support in trying to access T or how to ask Ts to alter how they interact, etc.
It's just that I've read about 5 different threads about gyn exams in the last couple of days (each really important, please don't think I'm saying they're not), all asking similar questions (again, each one of those questions is really important and I'm proud of each person for reaching out)... I just thought it would be nice if they could be grouped together so we could read how others have coped or read the suggestions or offer others support, etc.

I've noticed that several members are asking for support for medical issues. I know that I have at least 3 threads relating to this topic.
I think it could be a good thing to have medical topics in the one forum so that commonly asked questions (e.g. I know I have asked for support going to gyn appointments) can be there for other people to read and get support from.
Does anyone else think this is a good idea?